Head of Data Governance & Analytics in Slough

Exciting opportunity for an experienced data governance / management professional to help shape our entire data operating model, working in partnership with our Technology team. This position exists to ensure we treat data as a controlled, trusted and usable business asset, that is understood, owned, governed and used consistently across the organisation. The Technology team will continue to lead the design, build and operation of our architecture, platforms and engineering capability where this position will focus on ensuring the data used across the business is capable of supporting trusted reporting, analytics and decision-making. This partnership is intended to strengthen the connection between business need and technical delivery.

We are looking for someone who can develop relationships across all areas of the business and understands the intricacies of developing internal knowledge around data capability / governance without over-engineering the operating model.

Key Accountabilities:

• Strengthen and lead W1M's Data Governance & Analytics function, creating the frameworks, controls and culture required to treat data as a strategic business asset.
• Define and embed a firm-wide data governance framework, including policies, standards, ownership models, stewardship responsibilities and governance forums.
• Partner with Technology and business stakeholders to ensure data standards, quality controls and reporting requirements are embedded within our data architecture and platforms.
• Create clear ownership and accountability across critical data domains, including client, portfolio, adviser, operational, investment, financial and regulatory data.
• Drive improvements in data quality through robust oversight, root-cause analysis, issue remediation and performance monitoring.
• Lead the development of trusted management information and analytics, enabling senior leaders to make informed decisions using consistent, high-quality data.
• Oversee the governance of Power BI and reporting outputs, ensuring a single version of the truth across the business.
• Develop dashboards and management information covering business performance, client outcomes, adviser productivity, operational efficiency, profitability, Consumer Duty and regulatory oversight.
• Champion data literacy across the organisation, helping colleagues understand data definitions, ownership, controls and appropriate use.
• Chair data governance committees and stakeholder forums, driving accountability, prioritisation and effective decision-making.
• Support regulatory, audit and risk activities by ensuring appropriate data governance, reporting integrity and audit-ready evidence.
• Work closely with our AI and Technology teams to ensure strong data foundations underpin the firm's AI strategy and future innovation agenda.
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders, influencing decision-making and promoting best practice in data governance, reporting and analytics.
• Build and develop the Data Governance & Analytics capability, mentoring team members and shaping future organisational growth.

Background/Experience and Competencies Required:

• Professional data governance or data management certification such as CDMP, DAMA or equivalent.
• Experience / certification in Power BI, Microsoft Fabric, Azure Data Platform or similar analytics/data platforms.
• Significant experience in data governance, data management, analytics, MI or enterprise reporting ideally within a Wealth Management environment, but we will also consider Private Banking, Asset Management, or broader Financial Services.
• Experience building and / or maturing data governance capability in an organisation still developing its data governance and ownership.
• Proven ability to work across a business translating business requirements into practical data standards, governance controls and analytics outcomes.
• Experience developing trusted MI, dashboards and reporting frameworks for senior management and operational teams.
• Detailed understanding of financial services data and themes including knowledge of FCA expectations, consumer duty and GDPR.
• Ability to chair governance forums and influence senior stakeholders with strong verbal and written communication skills.

About You:

We are looking for someone who has previously developed a Data Governance / Analytics framework within an SME organisation and would like the challenge to do that again, or an experienced data professional who has the required skills and knowledge who is ready to take a leading role in developing a data strategy. Either way you will be:

• Detail oriented and highly analytical in your thinking.
• A strong communicator who is able to discuss complex, technical issues in plain language and influence a wide range of stakeholders.
• Proactive who wants to lead from the front and by example.
• Collaborative and confident working with different teams across the business.
• Excited to be part of a growing business where you can make a real impact.

Why Join W1M?

This is an opportunity to join a growing organisation at an exciting stage of its journey. The role offers:

• A rare opportunity to develop a Data Governance function, largely from scratch, in partnership with the wider business.
• The chance to join a collaborative workforce who are all working towards a common goal that wants to help each other achieve their, and the businesses, goals.
• Potential to develop a team with continuous focus on development / improvement.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

W1M is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.